Generational Change and Its Impact on Family Businesses in the City of Portoviejo
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Abstract
In the Ecuadorian context, family businesses constitute an essential component of the productive fabric. However, they face significant challenges related to generational change, the mismanagement of which can compromise their sustainability. This study aimed to analyze the impact of generational change on family businesses in the city of Portoviejo. A quantitative, non-experimental, cross-sectional, and descriptive-correlational approach was adopted. A structured questionnaire was applied to a non-probabilistic sample of 85 representatives of active family businesses, using a Likert-type scale across eight dimensions. The reliability of the instrument was confirmed through Cronbach’s alpha coefficient, and the data were processed using SPSS version 26 through multiple regression analysis and validation of structural hypotheses. The results showed that five out of six hypotheses were accepted, highlighting the positive influence of professionalization, successor training, and especially emerging leadership as a key predictor of sustainability. In contrast, the management of generational conflicts did not show a significant effect. It is concluded that generational transition should be addressed from a strategic perspective that integrates leadership, institutionalization, and organizational adaptation.
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Gabriela Cevallos-Castro, Universidad Técnica de Manabí - Ecuador
https://orcid.org/0009-0004-4017-3173
Master's student in Business Administration at the Technical University of Manabí. Accounting and Auditing Engineer, Certified Public Accountant. Professional with extensive experience in financial management, auditing, and accounting analysis, Accountant and shareholder of LM Jr. S.A.
Casilda Paquisha Intriago-Mora, Universidad Técnica de Manabí - Ecuador
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3786-3948
Research Professor at the Technical University of Manabí. Holds a PhD in Accounting and Financial Sciences, a Master's in Educational Management, a Master's in Evaluation, Certification, and Quality Assurance in Higher Education, and a Master's in Public Management and Good Governance. Director of research projects with over 15 scientific articles in regional and high-impact journals, and numerous participations as a presenter at national and international conferences.
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